Seasonal Eating in September: Why Figs Are Our Ingredient of the Month
Hi friends,
Can you believe that September is here already? I for one spent the last 2 weeks of August longing for the back to school routine. The weather was pretty dire and solo parenting was taking its toll as my husband had headed back to sea. Now we’re back in to the daily plan of school and work, I feel as if I can breathe again. As we enter a new season, I couldn’t be more excited to welcome you to our new blog series of seasonal ingredients.
At Mayajoy, we believe that joyful living is about more than ticking tasks off a list or jetting off on another holiday. We think it’s about pausing long enough to notice the small things. That might be in the way that sunlight catches cut crystal in the kitchen or the simple ritual of your first cup of coffee in the morning. It’s in those ordinary moments that joy and meaning can be found.
That’s why every month in our Joy Journal, we shine a little spotlight on one seasonal ingredient. It’s our way of slowing down, leaning into the rhythm of the year, and reminding ourselves that food is more than fuel: it’s love, memory, and connection.
Why “Ingredient of the Month”?
In a world that is always in a rush, celebrating one ingredient is an act of intentional living. It helps us savour the now. Instead of scrolling past, we stop. Instead of grabbing whatever is quickest, we notice what’s in season and build something beautiful around it. This process allows us to choose- and the power of choice is pretty special.
Food is an anchor in our household- can you relate? It connects us to nature, to traditions and culture, and to each other. Choosing one ingredient and celebrating it in a recipe, a ritual, or even just a quick snack, is a joyful way to weave meaning into our everyday lives and I’m sure you will agree that it’s worth it for that alone- we could all do with a little more joy in our lives, am I right?
This Month’s Ingredient: Figs
September is fig season and in fact we could start the season in early August and carry it on until early October.
Believe it or not, I’m quite new to eating figs. I just couldn’t get used to the texture but I’m telling you, if you thought this pretty fruit wasn’t for you- try using it in your cooking! it is perfectly paired with salty prosciutto or cheese and adds a touch of luxury to any meal. I was first introduced to the idea of using figs in savoury dishes by the wonderful food writer Diana Henry. My mum bought me one of her books for my birthday- ‘A bird in hand’ and every recipe is simply divine. I moved on to developing a bit of an obsession, seeking out her writing in The Telegraph and collecting her books. ‘Roast figs sugar snow’ showcases a fig and duck dish which I made for my husband one Valentine’s Day and since then I’m sold on figs as an ingredient.
There's something magical about these soft, jewel- like fruits. They are sweet but earthy and feel like a little luxury on a plate. One of our favourites right now is a Spiced honey Halloumi & Fig salad. It's quick enough for a weekday but impressive enough to share. Paired with some peppery greens and a side of flat bread and suddenly dinner feels like a whole event. The figs bring sweetness, the halloumi adds salt and bite and the honey-spice drizzle ties it all together. It's slow living, but in under 30 minutes.
For another mouth watering take, try a Fig, blue cheese and fennel pizza. Topped with toasted nuts, it's the dish you never knew you needed. Honestly- this is perhaps the best pizza I have ever eaten. It sounds dramatic but it's true- new favourite unlocked! Recipe pending.
To drink? Try a crisp glass of rosé to echo the fruitiness of the figs, or a spiced fig and ginger spritz for a 0% option. Either way, it’s a moment to pause, reset, and remember that food is joy. Head over to our instagram to discover recipes.
Looking Back (and Ahead)
In July, we leaned into peaches - tossing them into salads with feta, blending them into iced tea, and celebrating their fleeting, sunshine-soaked sweetness. In June, strawberries had their moment, reminding us of childhood trips to pick-your-own farms, Victoria sponge cakes, and perhaps the odd Daiquiri…
Each ingredient carries its own story, its own nostalgic thread that carries a memory, whilst also rooting us firmly in the present. That’s the heart of joyful living.
As we step into autumn, there’s plenty more to come- think earthy squashes, warming spices, and the kind of comfort food that feels like a hug on a plate.
Joy in Everyday Food
At Mayajoy, food isn’t just about recipes, it’s about creating space for connection, comfort, and colourful moments in daily life. Choosing an ingredient of the month is our reminder to savour the season, to slow down, and to find joy in the everyday.
So whether you’re slicing figs, sipping peach tea, or sharing strawberries with the kids, know this- you’re practising intentional living. You’re choosing to celebrate the small things. And in those small things, joy dwells.
If you want more joyful living inspiration- Sign up to the Joy Journal : Our monthly love letter filled with seasonal recipes, rituals, music, and little reminders to slow down and savour the now.
Lots of love
Maya x